Making Scents: John Marangos

John Marangos

John Marangos made his first perfume when he was 5 putting the flowers and leaves he collected from the garden into a jar, adding water and giving it to his mother.

Australian-born, he's been in the perfume business for 19 years, working for American, French and Italian houses but is now based in Singapore as the marketing, PR and training director for Thierry Mugler.

What's the best thing about your job?

Travelling for my work and meeting people who share my passion for fragrance. Working for a brand that inspires me is an incredible feeling.

What are your favourite smells?

New smells are what excite me. A few years ago a friend gave me a bunch of daphne for my birthday. I'd heard of it before but had no idea of the incredible perfume the tiny white flowers hid. It was a revelation, an epiphany.

Least favoured ones?

Smells that neither comfort nor challenge me. Oh, and wet dog.

Do you have a signature fragrance or a wardrobe of fragrances?

Although I've got a wardrobe of fragrances at my fingertips, Mugler Cologne is undoubtedly my signature scent. I'm drawn to its sophisticated simplicity.

How powerful is smell?

The most underestimated sense. We have a visual memory of about 10 years. Our memory of smell is four times greater. A person will more than likely forget your face long before they forget your fragrance.

Can you always tell what fragrance someone's wearing?

After years of refining this skill, yes. My olfactory library is vast.

Should you be able to smell a fragrance on yourself?

The straight answer is no. The belief that we should be able to smell the fragrance would, in fact, mean we've applied a little too much. Discretion and restraint is the key. People will still compliment you on your fragrance even if you are unaware of it yourself.

What do you wish people would understand about fragrance?

That it is another form of expression. It is a silent language that speaks even before we do.

What would you be doing if you weren't doing this job?

Something that I would hopefully be just as passionate about.

Do you have to spend a lot on a fragrance to get a good one?

In some cases, yes. There is nothing like the feeling of wearing something expensive. Luxury can be very sexy.